At the oral argument in the 9th Circuit on Oct. 19, Judge Carlos Bea asked a key question: “Why is it illegal to sell something that it’s legal to give away?”

And while being kinky still comes with social stigmas, Stephanie*, a 25-year-old woman involved in the New York City kink scene, says kinks are increasingly viewed as mainstream. “I always thought you couldn’t have an unconventional lifestyle and fall into success. Now I know you can live a kinky lifestyle and still be successful,” Stephanie says.